Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

If you’re looking for a meal that will make everyone around the table stop and say “wow,” then these Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells are the answer. Imagine perfectly seared, juicy steak bites coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce paired with creamy, dreamy parmesan pasta. It’s the kind of dish that has all the right flavors in one place—savory, creamy, and totally satisfying. This one’s going to become a weeknight favorite that feels fancy but is easy to whip up. Trust me, every bite is a flavor bomb!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

This recipe is an absolute game-changer, combining tender, juicy steak with velvety, cheesy pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:

A Perfect Combo

Tender steak bites and rich, creamy pasta—what’s not to love? The flavors complement each other so perfectly, you’ll find yourself savoring each bite.

Quick & Easy

This recipe is packed with flavor but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. You’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something extraordinary.

Comforting and Decadent

The creamy parmesan shells are everything you want in a pasta dish—smooth, cheesy, and comforting. Paired with the garlic butter steak, it’s a true comfort food experience!

Crowd-Pleasing

Both steak lovers and pasta fans will be swooning over this one. It’s versatile enough to please a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners or dinner parties.

Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together to make a delicious, indulgent dish. Let’s dive in!

Steak Bites

The star of this dish! Tender steak, cooked to perfection, and infused with a garlic butter sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds a bold, aromatic flavor that’s essential for that garlicky richness in the steak sauce.

Butter

The creamy, rich base for the garlic butter sauce. It brings all the flavors together and gives the steak bites that perfect glossy finish.

Heavy Cream

For the creamy parmesan shells, heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and velvety. It’s the foundation of that decadent, indulgent pasta.

Parmesan Cheese

The parmesan adds the perfect cheesy bite to the creamy pasta sauce. You can’t go wrong with that nutty, salty flavor!

Pasta Shells

The shells are perfect for this dish because they hold onto the creamy sauce so well. You can’t go wrong with these tender, bite-sized pasta pieces.

Salt and Pepper

Simple seasoning, but essential! Salt and pepper elevate the flavor of both the steak and the pasta.

Olive Oil

A little olive oil to cook the steak and add a light, healthy richness to the dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this delicious, mouthwatering dish? Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta shells according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later. It’ll help thicken the creamy sauce if needed!

2. Sear the Steak Bites

In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your steak bites in batches, so they sear evenly. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine Steak and Sauce

Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir to coat the steak in that creamy, garlicky goodness. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes, so the steak soaks up the flavors.

5. Make the Creamy Parmesan Shells

In a separate pan, add a little more butter if needed and melt it over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta shells and toss them in the butter. Then, sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs a bit of thinning. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve a generous helping of the creamy parmesan shells on each plate and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top for an extra layer of richness. Garnish with a little extra parmesan, if you like!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 650
Total Fat: 35g

• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 1g
  Cholesterol: 125mg
  Sodium: 750mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
  Protein: 38g
  Vitamin D: 10%
  Calcium: 20%
  Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

Looking for some side dish inspiration? Here are a few great options to serve alongside your steak and pasta for a well-rounded meal:

Steamed Vegetables

A simple veggie like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans would make a wonderful, healthy side to balance out the richness of the steak and pasta.

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with garlic bread when serving pasta. It’s perfect for soaking up that extra creamy sauce!

Fresh Salad

A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the dish and add a burst of freshness.

Roasted Potatoes

For something extra comforting, serve the meal with roasted baby potatoes tossed in olive oil and herbs.

Additional Tips

Customize Your Steak

Feel free to swap out the steak for another protein, like chicken or shrimp, depending on your preference.

Make It Spicy

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.

Leftovers?

These leftovers are just as delicious the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep everything creamy.

Use Fresh Parmesan

Grated parmesan straight from the block adds a much richer flavor to the sauce than pre-grated parmesan. It’s totally worth the extra step!

Make It Lighter

If you want a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even milk. Just keep in mind it will be less creamy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! While shells are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can swap them for any pasta you like—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work great.

Q2: Can I use a different kind of steak?
A2: Yes! If you prefer a leaner cut, flank steak, sirloin, or tenderloin would be great options. Just make sure to cook it to your desired level of doneness.

Q3: Can I make the steak bites ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can cook the steak bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat them in the garlic butter sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
A4: Yes! You can swap the steak for mushrooms or plant-based meat crumbles and still enjoy that creamy parmesan pasta.

Q5: Can I use frozen steak for this?
A5: It’s best to use fresh steak for the best texture and flavor. However, if you’re using frozen steak, just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking.

Q6: Can I freeze leftovers?
A6: Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q7: What can I serve this with?
A7: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple salad to balance out the richness.

Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: Yes! You can substitute the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives, like coconut cream or a non-dairy butter substitute.

Q9: How do I keep the sauce from separating?
A9: Make sure to stir the sauce constantly and avoid letting it boil too rapidly. Also, add the parmesan gradually for a smooth, creamy texture.

Q10: How can I make the pasta spicier?
A10: If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or mix in some hot sauce to the creamy pasta!

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells are the kind of meal that’ll wow your taste buds and leave you feeling fully satisfied. The combination of juicy steak and rich, creamy pasta makes for an unforgettable dinner that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy!

Print